True open clear sound. Powerful pickup without distortion

Wind screen work to eliminate pop. The tight pattern nearly eliminates feedback even singing from in front of house speekers

Very sturdy and comfortable. You feel confident just holding this gem.

Is TEN the best I can say. Its a steel.

I have asked for advice on 24 Volt Phantom power (supplied by my BOSE PAS)VS the required 48 V that my Mackie Mixer supplies. No responce from RODE in over Two Weeks. However BOSE has supported their product with assistance on my RODE S-1. It works great with the 24 V

The Nickle look with the Gold Dot is awsome, And as I mentioned it gives you confidence not just in the sound and feel but the look.

Fulltime Evangelical Music Ministry

Southern Gospel Soloist

Crystal sounds from this microphone, I have had experience with all makes of stage mics corded and cordless and none have compared to this quality of sound. This is a live mic, can also be used recording.

Comes with a pouch and crystal bag to dry the head after use, they even include instructions on how to dry the crystal bag for continuous use.

It's a heavier mic but very comfortable grip, it feels like you have a true piece of art in your hand and will not go unnoticed.

Think about it 300 bucks for a high performance microphone that would make even Ozzy Osbourne sound good today.

I did contact the company to relate to them how much i enjoyed singing with this microphone, never had a problem with it, you can beat this mic up and it won't have any problems.

I have nothing more to say than try it, if you don't like it, you will probably end up making money on it with it's limited production.

Country, Rock, Rockabilly

Does an excellent job of filtering out noise outside it's pattern. Extremely sensitive mic picks up all qualities of your source, while being handheld, which is great. Best mic I've ever used, handheld Blows away the Shure SM58's. I don't think there's a better stage mic available that can *also* be used to record. Works especially well if you've got a nice preamp or tailoring software to work with when recording.

My wife (in a fit) stomped the box and threw it in the garage when it arrived. The mic still works. It is rugged.

I don't know of any other handheld mic (except taking a chance on cheap no-namers yet to make a reputation) that can perform this well or be this versatile. And, it's basically a portable condensor mic. Best mic for the money unless you are looking for a stationary studio condensor mic...then your choice is much more complicated, involving the new Shure KSM's or Rode's NT line, etc.

Active Musician, Songwriter, Recording Artist

Rock, Soul, Alternative

This is the best live mic I have used. I have used and own EVs [NDY-class], and of course the SM57, SM58, Beta57, and Beta58. I used the S1 along side a 58 and a Beta58--The S1 Blew these off the map. This is in a Live rock and roll situation, not necessarily stressing the mic like Whitney Huston would. I'm also don't have the ears for subtilties. Just Very Clean, Clear, huge gain before feedback [the 58s were on the edge of feedback. Smooth, amazing. This is one great live vocal mic. Did not compare it to the KSM 105, but don't think any other mic is going to touch this one.

No on-off switch, but how many features do you expect from a live mic? What was very nice was the 5 layer pop filter. Normally a condenser mic like this is very sensitive to plosives. Not the S1. You can get right up on the grille--no problem. Just gets balzier, like a 58, only not quite as much--i.e., the proximity effect is less pronounced.

The S1 is quite heavy and solid, and the finish is fantastic. If you want a black mic, this is not for you. I would question the ruggedness of a condenser mic over the long term but I hear Rode has a no holes barred gaurantee because they believe they have built in some ruggeddness into this. It certainly looks and feels like the best of any high end mics.

While my guess is that the Neumann KMS 105 will beat the S1, they are in the same type [i.e., live condenser mic] , and the S1 is less than half the price. I don't think the value can be beat by anything else out there today.

This is a guess on my part-I think to get people to accept a condenser in a live situation, they have offered an aggressive guarantee. I don't know of anyone that has had to take advantage of it--but again, this is a guess.

If you like black, this is not for you. If you like a very classic simple look, it's a pro-looking mic, the nickel satin finish is as good as any. But the reason to buy this mic is the smooth rich sound, not how it looks. I will buy this mic the next time I do live vocals--no question.